top of page

Research and Visiting Officer

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) section of the Australian Consulate-General Chengdu is seeking applications for the locally engaged staff position of Research and Visits Officer.

About the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT)


The role of DFAT is to advance the interests of Australia and Australians internationally.  This involves strengthening Australia’s security, enhancing Australia’s prosperity, delivering an effective and high-quality overseas aid program and helping Australian travellers and Australians overseas.


DFAT provides foreign, trade and development policy advice to the Australian Government.  DFAT also works with other Australian Government agencies to drive coordination of Australia’s pursuit of global, regional and bilateral interests.


About the position

The position assists with reporting of events in south-west China, liaison with government, academic institutions and NGOs, supporting official visits to China and the organising of public affairs activities, including a regular consulate local media report.


The key responsibilities of the position include, but are not limited to:

  • Promote Australia’s interests, in government relations, economic diplomacy (trade and investment), and public diplomacy in southwest China

  • Develop, maintain and strengthen a network of contacts in local government, business, academia and media in southwest China. Plan and arrange official calls for the Consul General and A-Based officers.

  • Conduct research and analysis on political, economic, and social developments in southwest China relevant to Australia’s interests and prepare written reports on these developments

  • Support ministerial and other high-level visits, including preparation of visit programs, accommodation and transport arrangements, airport facilitation and meeting requests.

  • Develop high level reports, briefings and talking points on current affairs including on local government policies, laws, economic and trade/investment policy developments.

  • Represent and promote the interests of Australia at a range of forums, events and meetings and provide advice on Australian participation, operational and policy issues and prepare reports summarising key points and records of conversation for the Consul-General and other visitors as required.

  • Assist the Public Affairs team to plan and execute public diplomacy programs as required, including managing the delivery of multiple concurrent events, coordinating guest lists, speakers, and overseeing event set up, and identifying and taking forward representational opportunities

  • As part of the consulate team, perform other duties and back up to assist with other Consulate priorities as required


Qualifications/Experience

  • Strong knowledge and awareness of the political, economic and media environment in China, specifically Southwest China. Understanding of Australia’s environment would be an advantage.  Ability to develop and maintain a broad network of external contacts;

  • Good research and analytical skills, including a demonstrated ability to understand and process a large amount of diverse information quickly and identify critical issues;

  • Ability to engage other organisations and officials, such as Australian or Chinese agencies and partners, including managing complex projects and events, paying close attention to detail;

  • Excellent oral and written communication skills in both English and Chinese, ability to assist with interpreting, translating and drafting formal Chinese and English language documents;

  • Demonstrated sound judgement and proven ability to solve problems, be flexible and adapt to new tasks and situations;

  • Ability to prioritise and meet deadlines and to work effectively as part of a team; and

  • Good interpersonal skills, including the ability to collaborate with colleagues as part of a small team and develop good working relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.


Additional information

The position is initially for a period of 36 months.  The successful applicant may be offered a further contract.  The successful applicant is required to complete relevant pre-employment procedures, such as health and background vetting, before commencement.

Applications are invited from both Chinese and Australian nationals.  Australian national employees will receive a salary loading in lieu of local benefits they are not eligible to receive.

A merit list, valid for 18 months, will be established for this position.  The merit list may be used for other positions of the same level and similar capabilities.


How to Apply

Submit an application via email to recruitment.china@dfat.gov.au by 9:00am, Thursday 1 June 2023.  Applications received after the closing date and time may not be considered.  The subject line of your email should include the Position Number and Position Title you are applying for.

Your application, written in English, should include:

  • Completed ‘Application for Locally Engaged Staff Employment’.  See Attachment A.

  • Your application pitch (maximum 500 words).  See Attachment B.

  • Curriculum Vitae (maximum 2 pages).

Applications must be in either Microsoft Word or PDF format, with a maximum email size of 3MB.

For inquiries regarding this position, please contact the Human Resources section at recruitment.china@dfat.gov.au.


Please note that due to the large volume of applications received, we are unable to respond to each applicant.  We endeavour to respond to applicants of interest within a period of four weeks from the application closing date.  If you are not requested to attend an interview, please consider your application unsuccessful.



bottom of page